Page 41 of The Arrogant's Surrender

"Excuse me."

When we reach the hallway, I ask, "What the hell could be so important that it couldn’t wait? I hate cold food."

"Didn’t you notice what your mom was doing?"

"What?"

"It was a hint, buddy. She’s sort of making plans for the two of you."

"That’s not happening. I’ve known Febe for years. She doesn’t spark anything in me."

"Why have you never considered her as a candidate?"

"She’s not warm. One of us being cold is enough. And I don’t like how she agrees with everything so easily, like she’s eager to please the entire world."

"If you want my advice, make things clear to your mom. This is the third time we’ve had dinner here and she’s hinted at something between you two. Tonight was even worse because it happened right in front of Febe. I know you’re not interested in her, but no woman deserves that kind of humiliation."

"I’ve never given her any hope, L.J. That’s not how I operate. If I’d ever desired her, I would’ve pursued her already."

"I know, Athanasios, but I don’t think your mom is concerned about who you desire. She just wants you to marry and give her grandchildren. I don’t think the candidate even matters to her. Why don’t you make it clear once and for all that you already have someone in mind for the 'position'?"

"I’ve never explained my life to anyone, and I’m not about to start now. However, you’re right about one thing. It’s time to set the record straight with my mom and explain there’s no chance of me marrying her friend’s daughter."

"Mom, what was the purpose of that question you asked Febe during dinner?"

My business partners and the doctor have already left, and I’m getting ready to leave as well.

My father has just retired for the night, leaving only the two of us.

"You two are of marrying age."

Out of respect, I take a deep breath before responding, trying to stay calm. "Mom, all my life, I’ve noticed the efforts you and her family have made to bring us together. I’m forty years old. Febe is a bit younger. I’ve had every opportunity to be with her, if I was interested. It never happened. It never will. She doesn’t attract me. She doesn’t spark anything in me, honestly. And your insistence is making me dislike her."

Being who she is, she doesn’t even flinch. "I’m thinking about your wellbeing."

"About what youthinkis my wellbeing."

"Don’t you plan to get married?"

"Yes, I do. I already have a candidate in mind, in fact."

"Oh! Who? Is she Greek? I hope you haven’t been taken in by just a pretty face. There are plenty of gold-diggers out there after our family’s fortune."

"First of all, I have my own personal fortune, so if you’re worried about your and Dad’s assets, you can rest easy."

"That’s not what I meant. I just mean you can’t base your choice solely on what you young people call ‘physical attraction.’ Family name is everything. Bloodline?—”

I stand up. "What about blood, Mom? I’m your adopted son."

"By a twist of fate. Even if I’d carried you in my own womb, you couldn’t be more perfect than you already are, son."

"Good night, Mom."

I leave the house, my head spinning.

Bringing upfamilytakes me straight back to the past, bringing everything rushing back: the day I ran away. The day they took her from me.

I drive through Manhattan, knowing exactly where I’m headed, and when I arrive at the hospital, I head to the intensive care unit.